Award-winning Author Judythe Morgan

Are you ready for purple?

On the December 5, 2013 Today Show, Pantone Color Institute announced Radiant Orchid as the 2014 Color of the Year. The color will be featured in everything from clothing lines to industrial items across the nation.

For the last 13 years Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, has announced the next Color of the Year.

Twice a year the company holds secret meetings in Europe with representatives from color standard groups. For two days, the group views presentations and debates a color for the coming year.

Results appear in Pantone View, which fashion designers, florists, and other consumer-oriented companies purchase to help guide their designs and planning for future products.

Whatever color is chosen purportedly connects with the zeitgeist [the spirit of the time; general trend of thought or feeling characteristic of a particular period].

For example, the 2011 press release declaring Honeysuckle the color of the year said, “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues.”

This year Leatrice Eiseman issued this statement about the color choice: “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

The zeitgeist: Radiant Orchid reportedly offers an invitation to innovation, expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.

The color is already appearing everywhere.

Home interior design.

Fashion.

I’m not so sure I’ll be leaping into Radiant Orchid for myself and my home.

Maybe a purple ring.

After all, amethyst is the February birthstone because of the stone’s association with Saint Valentine. Amethyst is thought to attract love.

I can see little Buster in a purple sweater. Or even his big brother, Toby.

On second thought all purple on an Old English Sheepdog might be too much.

What about you? Are you ready to embrace Radiant Orchid?

If not, we only have to wait for Spring.

Pantone revealed its top 10 shades for next spring, with Dazzling Blue leading the charge. It’s the same cobalt shade as Facebook’s logo and Citibank’s wildly popular bike share program in New York City.

Now blue I love, especially Flow Blue and Blue Willow pattern. Come on Spring! At last, I’ll be in fashion.